On the Road With Josh
LACHSA Focus
June 2006
By Kari Weis
When I sat down to talk with Los Angeles County High School for the Arts alumni Josh Groban (theatre, 1999) about LACHSA and his career, he was down to earth and open about his experiences. In case you haven’t heard, Josh is one of our most successful alumni. At the age of 25, Josh has recorded two multi-platinum albums and two DVDs, with total worldwide sales of 15 million, and had concerts (both national and international) sell out in minutes. He has worked with Celine Dion, Charlotte Church, David Foster, Martina McBride, Lara Fabian, Sarah Brightman, and—the list goes on. He has also performed at the U.S. Olympics, the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, the Academy Awards, and has appeared on Larry King Live, the Oprah Winfrey show (numerous times), Live With Regis and Kelly, The Tonight Show, and has been profiled on ABC’s 20/20. It would take pages to list all his accomplishments.

Josh's memories of LACHSA are extremely positive. While in junior high, Josh was looking for high schools in the Los Angeles area with good arts program and found out about the school through word of mouth. Josh checked out the school with his family and saw the great programs offered at the multicultural school—so, he auditioned. His first impression of the school was, “Finally I am around people like me. Coming from a couple of different schools where I felt like a sore thumb sticking out for liking theatre, it was great to see so many different kids around with all different backgrounds with that same drive and passion.…I made friends the first day. My first impression was, really—finally I am in a place where I feel comfortable.”

Josh’s most memorable experience at LACHSA, “besides making those friends” that he still has ties to now, was getting his first lead roles in theatre productions. “Getting those chances, were the first pats on the back that I ever had with a ‘you can do it’ attitude.” With his parents in the audience and taking on more roles Josh got, “the confidence and foundation for my life.”

Yet when asked about his most difficult times or challenges he faced at LACHSA, Josh talked about how difficult and trying the years of high school are for everyone. He mentioned the friendships and relationships that break up or fall apart, the times that schoolwork is difficult, or when one does not do well on a test. “The school work was challenging, but at the same time you got to do your arts program half the day.” For Josh, the school puts a lot of responsibility on the student. “You really are in charge of your own destiny.” The main thing that he appreciated about LACHSA was that, “it was such a great learning experience to figure things out on your own…if you need the help, it is definitely there for you.”

Josh's first career break came in late 1998, while he was still a student at LACHSA. Through his vocal coach, Josh had the opportunity to meet David Foster. At that time Foster used Josh as a singer for the inauguration of Governor of California, Gray Davis. Foster continued to use Josh for other performing and recording opportunities.

In 1999, when Andrea Bocelli was unable to participate in rehearsals for the Grammys, Foster asked Josh to step in. For Josh this experience was “just one of those magic moments that will never really die down” in his mind and it all happened before he even graduated from LACHSA.

Upon graduation Josh continued his studies at his first choice school, the prestigious musical theatre department at Carnegie Mellon, “Because that was my plan.” Josh reports. Shortly afterwards he was offered a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records. The stress of balancing academics with recording an album was a lot to handle. At the end of his first semester Josh had to put his collegiate career on hold. “I knew it was a huge risk for me, but I knew that everyone’s paths aren’t always identical, and it was a risk I had to take. Obviously I am very happy I took the risk.”

Fortunately fate smiled on Josh and his music career took off. In 2001 he performed in the season finale of David E. Kelly’s television show Ally McBeal as Malcom Wyatt, a performance that was so popular, he returned to the show again for their Christmas episode the next season.

In November of 2001 Josh’s debut album, “Josh Groban,” was released. Since then he has recorded a second album, “Closer” (2003) and two DVD combination set, “Josh Groban in Concert” (2002), and “Live At the Greek” (2004). Josh has also been nominated and won numerous awards for his singing including a nomination for American Music Award: Favorite Male Artist – Pop or Rock (2004). He has won Billboard’s Backstage Pass Touring Award for Top Small Venue Tour (2004). His first Grammy nomination was for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, “You Raise Me Up” (2004), and in 2005 the song “Believe” written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri and was recorded by Josh, was nominated for an Academy Award (OSCAR), and a Grammy.

Josh’s touring schedule has taken him all over the globe. The entire first leg of his concert tour sold out in just 22 minutes. His most memorable night on tour was in Cape Town, South Africa at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The night started with pouring rain. Josh thought, “That’s it. The show’s over. People are gonna leave. All of a sudden 15,000 umbrellas popped up…Everybody just sat on the lawn and [others] started dancing. It was great. I was a really, really fun time. I have a song called ‘Remember When it Rained’ and they all sang along.”

I spoke to Josh about the foundation he created to help others. It was something he has always wanted to do, but was also encouraged by his fans (they call themselves Grobanites). The Josh Groban Foundation’s mission is helping children throughout the world through contributions in education, healthcare, and the arts. The Foundation has helped the Zamimpilo Orphanage in South Africa. “We’ve given them beds and a playground and fresh water and a lot of different things.” Josh has also worked with Nelson Mandella and been enlisted as an ambassador for the global 46664 project in the fight against HIV/AIDS. With this particular project Josh was able to see easy it is for a little money to go a long way. The project uses giant jars of peanut butter —that cost just 50 cents—to feed an entire family for a week. “You see I can raise money and it really will count.” With so many great natural disasters lately, the Foundation has also raised money for Operation USA, Save the Children, Mercy Corps, and South Central Gifted Scholars Fund. “It’s become a real passion of mine and we can never raise enough money. Whenever I have breaks from what I am doing professionally I try to use those breaks to raise money for the Foundation.” What you may not know is that Josh has also used his Foundation to give back to his alma mater, LACHSA. “You have to go back to the places that helped you out.” The most rewarding part for Josh is, “Seeing really how much can be done with so little money…seeing after the money is raised the really good things that come out.”

He has also supported the high school by coming back and seeing the current students perform. “It’s a lot of fun for me to go back and see those students.” Yet, when asked to give advice to current students today, Josh initially shied away saying, “They probably don’t even need my advice because some of the shows I have seen they are all so talented and seem to have such good heads on their shoulders.” Upon further thought, he suggests “It really isn’t just a high school musical, or just a high school play, those are the moments that really shape how you go about doing it outside of high school. For every single show, or art gallery, or dance show, go at it as if it is your first big career break because you never know what can come out of it.”

Right now Josh has been finishing up his new album that will be coming out this fall. He has spent a lot of time in the studio, in London and Los Angeles. He has a great time doing some writing, working with different producers around the world. His future plans are to travel more with this next album to get out on the road more. He’d like to “reach a whole group of people” that he hasn’t yet.

The most challenging part of his career is “just keeping everything in track, juggling everything, the stamina.” Josh has worked harder than he ever has in his life. When he was on tour he did 120 concerts where he was singing for over 90 minutes a night, without a break. “The hardest thing is just maintaining relationships with people because you are just constantly gone.”

When I asked Josh what the best thing about his career is he replied by comparing his career to LACHSA, “The best thing about my career is the best thing about LACHSA. I get to get it out of my system, to express myself every single day. There is something so cleansing about that. For anybody who is an artist, or who just knows in their soul since they were very little that that‘s what they have to do, there is a need for that…So the fact that I get to express myself everyday is the best thing. It’s been great to have the foundation, to have the support of teachers that I have had and say look guys this has been successful and this has really worked for me.

With a resume that could fill a book, Josh has experienced more than most 25 year-olds dream of. He has traveled the world, sold millions of albums, appeared at amazing events and career making shows. None of this is shows when speaking with him. When I talked with Josh, he is humble and grateful, not just for his career, but also for the people that have shared these experiences with him.

For more information about Josh Groban and his Foundation visit: www.joshgroban.com.
A special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Groban for making this interview possible.


Word: Thoughts From the Editor
By Elaine Boyer Stephens

This issue comes with sentiments that are bittersweet. The Alumni Association hardly had a chance to celebrate our scheduled interview with alumnus Josh Groban, when we were hit with the news that Alejandro (Alex) Posada—soon-to-be alumnus—parents died in a dreadful automobile accident on the way home from Alex’s performance at the Spring Concert.

The rally of support has been phenomenal. The Foundation quickly formed a fund for Alex and his nine-year old brother (for those you who wish to donate can forward your donation to the Foundation, just be sure to note “The Posada Family Fund” in your donation). LACHSA and the Foundation have arranged a special benefit concert which will be held on Friday, May 26, 2006 at the Luckman Auditorium (concert details are on page 19). The concert will encompass various elements of the music department such as the Gospel Choir, Full Circle Opera, the Jazz Ensemble and more.

This devastating event has renewed the passion in why the Alumni Association works so hard to do what we do. If we don’t, then who will. It is not enough to say, “LACHSA is such a great school!” or rely on others to keep LACHSA going. It is just as important to give back for those who come behind you. The notion of giving back brings this editorial note back to Josh’s interview.

Josh’s humility and gratitude for his experiences at LACHSA is ever-present in every word he spoke. With his many successes, it would be easy to understand if this young star lost his head every once in a while. But not Josh. With Josh comes a sincere reverence in his voice when he speaks of LACHSA—and its not just lip service. He continues to support LACHSA with campus visits, donations, and yes, he even has an alumni membership.

As the Alumni Association moves in our new direction to serve as a transitional bridge for LACHSA alumni, we are diligent in giving back. Most recently, the Alumni Association donated funds to LACHSA to purchase much-needed computer server. We also awarded two scholarships to two LACHSA Seniors—their names will be announced at the Senior Assembly.

We are humbled by the death and honored by Josh’s commitment to LACHSA and ask that all alumni do the same. Do what you can to keep the door open for those who follow.


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